Method of treating porous blocks.



C. E. FULLER.

METHOD OF TREATING POROUS BLOCKS.

. APPLICATION men JULY Is. 1916. RENEWED MAY 14.1911. 1,231,007

Patented June 26,1917.

: A TTOA'N/i V I 1 a l l l l I l I l ,To all whom it concern:

'E. or KANSAS cm, mrssoonr.

mn'rnon" or mmune venous BLOCKS. 1

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented June 26, 191 7.

Application filed July 13, 1916,8eria1 Ho.:109,02"I. Renewed May 14,1917. 7 Serial 1W0. 168,595,

Be a known that I, CLAUD E. a citizen of .the United States, residing at v Kansas'City, in the county of Jackson and State of. Missouri, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Methods of Treating Porous Blocks, of .which thefollowing is a specification.

. My invention relates to improvements in methods of treating porous blocks.

It relates particularly to the treatment of ,blocks by impregnation of the same with'a suitable filling material, such-as asphalt.

- In the ordinary treatment of blocks, such as bricks,'the purpose has been to fill the pores as completely as possible with the fill- 'ing material.

The object of this invention is toprovide a method of treatment which will require less asphalt than will theordinary treatment and. which at the same time 'will'contain a maximum amount offilli'ng in the outer portion of the block, while the central portion will contain no filling mate- .in such central material rial, or at least the pores will not be filled ortion. This treatment alfords economy o manufacture, while producing a block that will have. maximum -wearing qualities.

' 'vention, the blocks, thec'pores of which con- 'tain air or other suitable compressible fluid,

are first heated so as to e'xpand the blocks,

In the prefer-red embodiment of my infollowing which the blocks are subjected to pressure greater than atmospheric, thereby compressing the fluid contained within the y pores, after which the blocks are immersed in their heated condition, and while Stlll funder pressure, in the liquid filling material, which is'a liquid that will solidify at ordinary atmospheric pressure and teinpera- I tures," such as asphalt or other suitable bi- 'tuminous material.

The. immersed blocks are then subjected to still greater pressure than that first applied, thereby compressing the fluid in the pores and forcing the compressible fluid, such. as air, to the central water, by being subjected to a draft ofcold' portion. of the block. The remaining pores of the block will be filled with filling material, such-as asphalt The pressure-1s then reduced and-the blocks are suddenlyc'ooled in anydesired manner, such as by 1mm ersion in cold water; by spraying with cold air, or by any other cooling means which will suddenlycool the blocks.

Uponbeing suddenly cooled, the blocks and which is still llquid, to fill such voids as occur due to the contraction of the solidifying outer asphalt, the latter having greater contractlon and expansion than the blocks,

'if the blocks are bricks. A portlon of the inner liquid asphalt wil thus be forced outwardly thereby making denser the outer portions of the blocks where density is required for the purpose of better withstanding wear. Thus the completed block-will have its outer portion filled 'Witha maximum of asphalt, the central portion.

will only contain air, as asphalt is not needed in this portion, and the intermediate portion will not be filled to saturation. The cost of production-of the blocks will thus be less than with blocks which are fully saturated with asphalt, while the wearing qualities of the blocks will be-increased owing to the more complete saturation of. the outer portions thereof. I

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated an apparatus with which my in-- vention may be carriedinto efi'ect.

Figure 1 is an end elevation, partly broken away of my improved apparatus.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional I view of the check valve, controlling the bypass, and parts connected therewith.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of a block which has been impregnated but'not cooled. V I

Fig. 4 is.a, horiz'ontal sectional view of a 'blockwhich has been impregnated and the cooling operation finished.

Similar reference characters designate similar parts in the difierent views.

1 desi ates the-treating chamber in which the bloc or bricks 2 are immersedin the liquid filling material, such as asphalt, which -is liquefied by heat in a melting tank 3,

which is preferably located aboi e the treat ing chamber 1, and which with the latter is located Within a suitable inclosure4, shown in dotted lines, and which serves as a heatlng chamber.

Any suitable means may be employed to heat the chamber 1 and tank 3 to a tempera ture above the melting point of the filling material. In the chamber 1, I have shown in the lower part thereof steam heating coils 5, which may be employed for heating the interior of the chamber. 7

One end of the chamber 1 is provided with a removable end or door -6 which may be removed so as to permit a car 7 carrying the blocks or bricks 2 to run into and out of the chamber 1 on a track comprising rails 8 which are supported respectively on longitudinal supports 9 supported on the. inner wall and bottom portion of the chamber 1.

10 designates a conductor, the upper end of which is connected with the bottom of the tank 3, and the lower end of which is connected to a reversible pump 11, of any suitable type and which, preferably is located, as is the pipe 10, in the inclosure 4 so as to prevent chilling of the" filling material as it passes therethrough. A conductor 12 has one end connected with the other port of the and which automatically controls the pastype, and whichis supplied by steam through a pipe 18 which is connected with an automatic governor 19, such as the well known Gardner governor, which in turn is connected by a conductor 20 with the conductor 12,

sage ofsteam through the pipe 18 to the engine 17, the governor 19 in turn being con-- trolled by the pressure inthe treating chamber 1 which is communicated to'the governor 19 by means of the pipe 14, sediment tank 13, and conductors 12 and 20. When the pressure in the chamber 1 falls below a predetermined point, the governor 19 will permit more steam to be supplied to the engine 17 through the steam pipe 18, thereby increasing the speed of operationof the pump '11 and the pressure in the-chamber 1 as well as the amount of asphalt supplied to. the latter. I

In the conductor 10 is a shut-01f valve 21 having a controlling stem 22 which extends to the exteriorof the inclosure 4.

The conductor 10 is provided with a branch 23 which leads through the inclosure wall 4 to the atmosphere and which is vided with'a shut-off valve 24.

A priming conductor 25 is connected at its upper end to the bottom of the tank 3, and

at its lower end is connected to the conductor 10 at a point intermediate ofthe pump ll and branch 23: In the conductor 25 is a shut-off volve 26 which is provided with acontrolling stem 27 which extends through theinclosure wall 4 7 When the pump'l-l is used to pumpair into the chamber 1, the valve 21 is closed and the valves 24 and 26 are opened, the lat- I ter valve being opened so' as to permit a small quantity of asphalt to pass from the tank 3 through the conductor 25'into the lower portion of the conductor 10 and thence into the pump 11 for the purpose of priming and sealing the latter.

In order that the pressure may not rise above a pie-determined point in the cham-'" ber 1, there is provided a by-pass 28, opposite ends of which respectively connect with the conductors12 and 20. Within the by-pass 28 is located a check valve 29, Fig. 2, which opens outwardly, with respect to the chamber 1, and which is provided with a horizontal stem 30 which extends through a stuifing box 31 and through the inclosure wall 4. The outer end of the stem 30 is screw-threaded and is slidably mounted in a bracket 32 secured to the outer side of the inclosure wall 4. A coil spring 33 encircles the stem 30 and has its outer end bearing againstthe bracket 32 and its inner end bearing against a nut 34 which is adjustably mounted on the threaded part of the stem 30. By adjusting the nut 34, the ten sion of the spring 33 may be varied so as to increase or decrease the pressure applied to the valve 29 for holding said valve seated.

When the pressure in the chamber 1 arrives at the pie-determined point, the valve 1 29 will be opened against the pressure of the spring '33, thus permitting asphalt to flow from the conductor 12 past. the pump 11 'into pass 28.

In the operation of my invention, thecar7 containing the blocks *or bricks 2 is run mto the chamber 1, after which the latter is closed. Preferablybefore being run into the treating chamber 1, the blocks or bricks 2 are pre-heated to approximately 350degrees, when'asphalt is to be used as the conductor 10 through the by a filling material, following which the blocks'or bricks are quickly transferred to the treating chamber 1.

a The tank 3 and chamben 1 having been heated to a temperature above the melting point of the asphalt contained in the tank 3, and the valves 21" and 26 being closed,

the valve 24 is opened and the engine 17 started, thus operating the pump 11 in a manner such that air will be drawn through the branch 23 and conductor into the pump 11 and by the ump forcedthrough Y the conductor 12, se iment tank 13, and

pipe 14 into the treating chamber l. The valve stem 27 may be turned so as to open the valve 26 to permit suflicient asphalt to pass from the tank 3 through the conductor and the conductor 10 into-the pump 11 .for the purpose of sealing and priming .the latter.

The pump 11 is operated until asuflicient air pressure greater than atmospheric is pro- I vided in the chamber 1 and in the pores of required for forcing the liquid. asphalt into the pores of the outer portions of the blocks has been obtained. At this time each block 2 will have a central portion 35,' the pores 30 of which will contain only compressed air,

- or such other compressible fluid as may have been forced into the pores of the blocks in the first pumping operation. The pores of the remaining portion of theblockwill be impregnated with liquid asphalt in that part indicated by 36 in Fig. 3.

The engine 17 is then reversed, therebyreversing direction of operation of the by immersion in water.

pump 11, upon which theasphalt will-be pumped back: into the tank 3 through the pipe 14, tank-13, conductor 12, pump '11,

and conductor 10. The valves 21 and'26 are then closed and the doo'r'of' thech'amv a shut ofl. valve 41 which is closed excepting ber l opened so that the car 7 may be run out of the chamber 1 and suddenly cooled The outer portion of each block will first be cooled, therebysolidifying and the solidification and asphalt solidifies in the outer portionof the block, it will contract to a greater .extent than the blocks or-bricks 2, thereby leaving voids which will be filled 'bytheliiluid asphalt still contained and not et in the portion 35 forcing the'inner-liquid asphalt outwardly, thereby filling the voids pores of a porous block a substance hqueoccasioned by the solidificationland contraction of the asphalt in the pores of the outer portion ofthe block.

-When the cooling operation has been com.- pleteii; so that all of the asphalt in the L I do not limit my invent on the asphalt coo mg will .progress from the outer side inwardly- As the.

' 1. The method co block has been solidified, theouter portion of the block designated by 37 in Fig. 4, will be more densely filled with asphalt thanthe inner portion 36. The outer porp tion ofthe block, which is subjected to wear and the action of the elements will be densely filled with. asphalt, the central portion 35 will contain no asphalt, and the intermediate portion-36, Fig. 4, will have its pores only partly filled with the asphalt.

By means of the process just, described, blocks willbe produced which will have a portions, thereby imparting maximum durability. to the blocks while at the same time maximum amount of asphaltfin their outer efi'ecting a minimum cost of treatment due I to the relatively'small amount of asphalt employed as a result of the compressed air contained'within the central portion of each block. In the treatment of blocks or bricks which are exceptionally porous so as to already contain suflicient a ir for eifecting the function, the preliminary air pumping step may be eliminated. Y 4 Instead of immersing the blocks after impregnation with the asphalt, the blocks may be suddenly cooled by being subjected. to a blast of cold air, which may be blown upon them through a conductor; 38, Fig. 1, conshown, and containing a shut ofi' valve 39' which is closed excepting during the air nected with a'suitable source of supply, not I cooling operation. The conductor 38 has one end connected tojthe upper side of the I chamber 1.

Or the blocks may he suddenly cooled by spraying with a cold liquid,-such as water discharged through a conductor 40, Fig. 1, one end of which is connected to the upper side of the chamber land the other 'end of which is connected with a source of supply, notshown. The conductor 40 contains pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores'of a porous block a substance l ique "fied by heat and -whichsolidifies at ordinary temperatures, and' then suddenly cooling the block while it is under pressure-substantially atmospheric. 1

2. The method conslstmg 1n forcing atpressure greater than' atmospheric into the fied by heat and which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, and then reducing the pressure and suddenly'cooling the block.

3. The method consisting in forcing at deg in forcing-at V g coolin the block.

pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores of a porous block liquid bit'umlen which solidifies atordinary temperatures, then reducing the pressure, and suddenly he method consisting in forcing at pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores of a porous block liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, as then reducing the pressure to substantially fimrliisph'eriqand then suddenly coolingthe oc a pressure greater than atmospheric, then reducing the pressure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

asphalt into thepores of a porous block at 20 a Jressure greater than atmospheric, then re ucing the pressure to substantially atmospheric, and then suddenly cooling the block. 7. The method consisting in heating a porous block, then forcing at a pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores of the block a subtsanceliquefied by heat and which solidifies at ordinary temperatures,

then reducing the pressure, and then sud denly cooling the block.

8. The method consisting inv heating a porous block, then forcing at a pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores of a the. block a substance liquefied by heat and which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the pressure to substantially atmospheric, and then suddenly cooling the block.

9.The method consisting in heating a porous block, then forcing at a pressure greater than atmospheric liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, 7 then reducing the pressure and then end denlycooling the blockf 10. The method consistingin heating a 4 porous block, then forcing at a pressure greaterthan atmospheric into the poresof thexblock liquid asphalt, then reducing the pressure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

11. The method consisting in heating a porous block, then forcing at a pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores of the block -liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the pressure to substantially atmospheric, and then suddenly cooling the block.

12. The -method consisting" in heating a porous block, then forcing at a pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores of the block liquid asphalt, then reducing the pressure to substantially atmospheric, and.

then-suddenly cooling the block.

13. The method consisting in compressing the air in the pores of a porous block, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pres- "lagtmpispheric, and then suddenly cooling-the v 10c 5. The method consisting in forcing liquid asphalt into the pores'of a. porous block at thenreducing the pressure to'substantially '75 '15. The method consisting in compressing the air in the pores of'a' porous block, then forcing into the pores at a stlllgreater so pressure liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the 6. The method consisting in forcing liquid sure liquid asphalt, then reducing the presssure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

18. The methodfconsistingin compressing the air in the pores of a porous block, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pressure liquid asphalt, then reducing the pressure to substantially atmospheric, and i then suddenly cooling the blocks. Y

19. The method consisting, in heating a porous block,'th'en compressing the air in v the pores of the block, then forcing into the pores ata still greater pressure a substance liquefied by heat and which solidifies at ordinarv temperatures, then reducing the pressure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

'20. The method consisting; in heating a 11 0 porous block, then compressing the air in the pores ofthe block, then forcing into the pores at astill greater pressure a substance liquefied by heat and which solidifies v at ordinary-temperatures, then reducing the pressure 't0 substantially atmospheric, and then suddenly coolingtheblo'ck. i.

21. The method consisting in heating a porous block, then compressing the a r 1n the pores of the block, then forcing into the pores at a lstill' greater pressure liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing thepressure, and then suddenly cooling the block. A

22. The method consisting in porous block, then compressing theairun the pores of the block, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pressureliquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the pressure to substan- 13o heating a- 125. L

tially atmospheric, and then suddenly cooling the block.

23. The method consisting in heating a porous block, then compressing the air in the pores of the block, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pressure liquid .asphalt, then reducing the pressure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

denly cooling the block.

26. The method-conslsting in forcing at a pressure greater than atmospheric into the pores of a porous block, the pores of which contain a compressible fluid, a liquid substance which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the-pressure, and suddenly cooling the block.

27. The method consisting in forcing at a pressure greater thanatmospheric into the pores of a porous block, the poresof which I a .pressure greater than atmospheric into" the pores of a porous block, the

contain a compressible .fluid, liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the pressure, and suddenly cooling the block. y

28. The method consisting in forcing at ores of whlch contam a compressible flui liquid asphalt,-then reducing the pressure and suddenly cooling the block.

29. The method'consisting in compressing a compressible fluid in the pores of a porous block, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pressure a liquid which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the Iplreslsiure and then suddenly cooling the 30. The method consisting in compressing a compressible fluid in the pores of a porous block, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pressure liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducing the pressure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

31. The method consisting in compressing a compressible fluid in the pores of a. porous block, then. forcing into the pores at a still greater pressure liquid asphalt, then reducing the pressure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

32. The method consisting in heating a porous block,' then compressing in the pores of the block a compressible fluid, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pressure a. liquid which solidifies at ordinary temperatures, then reducingthe pressure, and then 7 suddenly cooling theblock.

33. The method consisting in heating a porous block,then compressing in the pores of the block a compressible fluid, then forcing. into the pores at a still greater pressure liquid bitumen which solidifies at ordinary temperatures,- then reducing the pressure, and thensuddenly cooling the block.

34. The method consisting in heating a porous block, then compressing in the pores of the block a compressible fluid, then forcing into the pores at a still greater pressure liquid asphalt, then reducing the pressure, and then suddenly cooling the block.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

, CLAUD E. FULLER. 

